Wicca for Beginners: A Guide to Wiccan Beliefs, Rituals, Magic, and Witchcraft

In our modern, high-pressured world, many of us fail to take notice of the sheer beauty of the natural world surrounding us. Wicca is a new way of life, a religion that takes us back to a simpler time, before the invention of the high-tech gadgetry we see all around us. As a Wiccan you will learn to live in and appreciate the natural world that surrounds you. Wiccans celebrate and share many of the same beliefs that early people held, and they try to embrace their ways of life, all while remaining functional in today's modern world.

The History of Witchcraft

Witchcraft has recently been undergoing a huge popular revival, but does modern pagan witchcraft really bear any resemblance to its historical antecedents? The witch in history was a very different creature from her modern counterpart, and this book sets out to explore the historical background to the European witchcraft phenomenon.

Ancient Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction

The tradition of ancient philosophy is a long, rich and varied one, in which the notes of discussion and argument constantly resound. This book introduces ancient debates, engaging us with the ancient developments of their themes. Moving away from the presentation of ancient philosophy as a succession of great thinkers, the book gives readers a sense of the freshness and liveliness of ancient philosophy, and of its wide variety of themes and styles.

Classical Mythology: A Very Short Introduction

From Zeus and Europa, to Diana, Pan, and Prometheus, the myths of ancient Greece and Rome seem to exert a timeless power over us. But what do those myths represent, and why are they so enduringly fascinating? Why do they seem to be such a potent way of talking about ourselves, our origins, and our desires? This imaginative and stimulating Very Short Introduction goes beyond a simple retelling of the stories to explore the rich history and diverse interpretations of classical myths.

Judaism: A Very Short Introduction

Norman Solomon's succinct audiobook is an ideal introduction to Judaism as a religion and way of life. In addition to surveying the nature and development of Judaism, this Very Short Introduction outlines the basics of practical Judaism - its festivals, prayers, customs, and various sects. Modern concerns and debates of the Jewish people are also addressed, such as the impact of the Holocaust, the establishment of the State of Israel, the status of women, and medical and commercial ethics.

Druids: A Very Short Introduction

The Druids have been known and discussed for at least 2,400 years, first by Greek writers and later by the Romans, who came in contact with them in Gaul and Britain. According to these sources, they were a learned caste who officiated in religious ceremonies, taught the ancient wisdoms, and were revered as philosophers. But few figures flit so elusively through history, and the Druids remain enigmatic and puzzling to this day.

Solitary Witch: The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation

Solitary Witch is the ultimate Book of Shadows for today's new witches. Definitely not meant for instawitches, this audiobook will give you a thorough understanding of the history and development of magick in the Western world, the evolution of Wicca as a religion, the theory and practice of both ritual and folk magick, and the spiritual depth of the craft. This audiobook is like a grimoire from days gone by. Laden with useful information throughout, it's up to you to decide how to use it.

The Structure of Scientific Revolutions

A good book may have the power to change the way we see the world, but a great book actually becomes part of our daily consciousness, pervading our thinking to the point that we take it for granted, and we forget how provocative and challenging its ideas once were - and still are. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions is that kind of book.

Periodic Table: A Very Short Introduction

In this authoritative Very Short Introduction to the periodic table, Eric Scerri presents a modern and fresh exploration of this fundamental topic in the physical sciences, considering the deeper implications of the arrangements of the table to atomic physics and quantum mechanics. Scerri looks at the trends in properties of elements that led to the construction of the periodic table, and how the deeper meaning of its structure gradually became apparent with the development of atomic theory and quantum mechanics.

Myth: A Very Short Introduction

A survey of the past 300 years of theorizing on myth, this book takes into account the work of such prominent thinkers as Albert Camus, Claude Levi-Strauss, Roland Barthes, C. G. Jung, and Sigmund Freud. It focuses on different approaches to myth, from all of the major disciplines - including science, religion, philosophy, literature, and psychology.

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft

Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft has influenced and guided countless students, coven initiates, and solitaries around the world. One of modern Wicca's most recommended books, this comprehensive text features a step-by-step course in Witchcraft, with information on rituals, beliefs, history, and lore, as well as instruction in spellwork, divination, herbalism, healing, channeling, dreamwork, sabbats, esbats, covens, and solitary practice. Exam questions are included as part of each lesson, so you can build a permanent record of your spiritual and magical training.

Witchcraft for Beginners: A Guide to Contemporary Witchcraft, Different Types of Witches, Wicca, and Spells for the Beginner Witch

Embark on a journey to understand the truth about witchcraft - that it is a vibrant, nature-based spiritual practice that is alive and well in our modern times, just as it has been for longer than we've been recording history. Rather than "hexing", witches work their craft to enhance their lives and the lives of those around them. If you feel like your life is missing something, a little bit of magic could be all you need to give you a push in the right direction.

Modern China: A Very Short Introduction

This Very Short Introduction offers an indispensable starting point for anyone who needs to quickly know the themes and controversies that have shaped modern China. Prize-winning author and scholar Rana Mitter examines the modern history, politics, economy, and thriving cultural scene of contemporary China, and its relations with the wider world.

A Storm of Witchcraft: The Salem Trials and the American Experience

Beginning in January 1692, Salem Village in colonial Massachusetts witnessed the largest and most lethal outbreak of witchcraft in early America. Villagers - mainly young women - suffered from unseen torments that caused them to writhe, shriek, and contort their bodies, complaining of pins stuck into their flesh and of being haunted by specters. Believing that they suffered from assaults by an invisible spirit, the community began a hunt to track down those responsible for the demonic work.

Wicca Elemental Magic: A Guide to the Elements, Witchcraft, and Magic Spells

Even in today's scientific world of logic and reason, most of us can't escape the feeling that there is more to the universe than meets the eye; a world beyond the physical world in which we live. Many of us still carry with us superstitions, a belief that a specific action or object can positively influence the outcome of certain events.

Ethics: A Very Short Introduction

In this clear introduction to ethics, Simon Blackburn tackles the major moral questions surrounding birth, death, happiness, desire, and freedom, showing us how we should think about the meaning of life, and how we should mistrust the soundbite-sized absolutes that often dominate moral debates.

The French Revolution: A Very Short Introduction

William Doyle, the author of the classic text on the French Revolution, guides the reader through a historical event of such import and consequence that we are still living with its developments today. Beginning with a discussion of the familiar images of the French Revolution, Doyle continues on to a brief survey of the old regime and how it collapsed.

The Russian Revolution: A Very Short Introduction

This concise, accessible introduction provides an analytical narrative of the main events and developments in Soviet Russia between 1917 and 1936. It examines the impact of the revolution on society as a whole--on different classes, ethnic groups, the army, men and women, youth. Its central concern is to understand how one structure of domination was replaced by another.

Anxiety: A Very Short Introduction

Are we born with our fears or do we learn them? Why do our fears persist? What purpose does anxiety serve? How common are anxiety disorders, and which treatments are most effective? What's happening in our brain when we feel fear? This Very Short Introduction draws on the best scientific research to offer a highly accessible explanation of what anxiety is, why it is such a normal and vital part of our emotional life, and the key factors that cause it. Insights are drawn from psychology, neuroscience, genetics, epidemiology, and clinical trials.

Plato: A Very Short Introduction

This lively and accessible introduction to Plato focuses on the philosophy and argument of his writings, drawing the listener into Plato's way of doing philosophy, and the general themes of his thinking. This is not an audiobook to leave the listener standing in the outer court of introduction and background information, but leads directly into Plato's argument. It looks at Plato as a thinker grappling with philosophical problems in a variety of ways, rather than a philosopher with a fully worked-out system.

Hegel: A Very Short Introduction

Hegel is regarded as one of the most influential figures on modern political and intellectual development. After painting Hegel's life and times in broad strokes, Peter Singer goes on to tackle some of the more challenging aspects of Hegel's philosophy. Offering a broad discussion of Hegel's ideas and an account of his major works, Singer explains what have often been considered abstruse and obscure ideas in a clear and inviting manner.

Psychology: A Very Short Introduction

Psychology is part of everyone's experience: It influences the way we think about everything from education and intelligence, to relationships and emotions, advertising and criminality. People readily behave as amateur psychologists, offering explanations for what people think, feel, and do. But what exactly are psychologists trying to do? What scientific grounding do they have for their approach? This book provides an understanding of some of psychology's leading ideas and their practical relevance, making it a stimulating introduction for anyone interested in understanding the human mind.

Logic: A Very Short Introduction

Logic is often perceived as having little to do with the rest of philosophy, and even less to do with real life. In this lively and accessible introduction, Graham Priest shows how wrong this conception is. He explores the philosophical roots of the subject, explaining how modern formal logic deals with issues ranging from the existence of God and the reality of time to paradoxes of probability and decision theory. Along the way, the basics of formal logic are explained in simple, non-technical terms, showing that logic is a powerful and exciting part of modern philosophy.

Hinduism: A Very Short Introduction

Hinduism is practiced by about eighty percent of India's population, and by about 30 million people outside India. But how is Hinduism defined, and what basis does the religion have? In this Very Short Introduction, Kim Knott provides clear insight into the beliefs and authority of Hindus and Hinduism, and considers the ways in which it has been affected by colonialism and modernity.

Publisher's Summary

Witchcraft is a subject that fascinates us all. Indeed, from childhood most of us develop some mental image of a witch - usually an old woman, mysterious and malignant. But why do witches still feature so heavily in our cultures and consciousness? From Halloween superstitions to literary references such as Faust and, of course, Harry Potter, witches seem ever-present in our lives.

In this Very Short Introduction, Malcolm Gaskill takes a long historical perspective, from the ancient world to contemporary paganism. This is a book about the strangeness of the past, and about contrasts and change; but it's also about affinity and continuity. He reveals that witchcraft is multi-faceted, that it has always meant different things to different people, and that in every age it has raised questions about the distinction between fantasy and reality, faith and proof. Delving into court records, telling anecdotes, and challenging myths, Gaskill re-examines received wisdom, especially concerning the European witch-hunts of the 16th and 17th centuries. He also explores the modern memory and reinvention of witchcraft - as history, religion, fiction, and metaphor.

Where does Witchcraft rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was a good listen. I haven't really heard a lot of audiobooks, so I really can't rank this fairly. This book was like sitting in a lecture given at college, if you like that sort of thing (and I do) you will like this book.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Witchcraft?

I really liked how the argument of how the modern view of witchcraft really cannot be applied to those who lived in the time where witches were a believable phenomenon. I also liked how the author/narrator demonstrated just how wrong our preconceived notions of witchcraft in the 14-18th century Europe are historically and statistically innaccurate.

What does Victor Bevine bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He sounds a lot like the guy who narrated programs on the History Channel (way back when they actually had shows in history), but hearing him narrate about some of the atrocities of those times was heartbreaking.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were many but here are the two that stand out in my mind: all the work that past historians did to get the actual numbers of witch trials right and that while we as Westerners may think that witchcraft is a joke, there are many countries that still kill and mutilate people because of witchcraft.

Any additional comments?

I think that anybody who listens to/or reads this book will be surprised at how little they know about the subject. This book made me want to read more about witchcraft in a historical context. If you go into this book with an open mind the preconceived ideas that you have at the beginning of the book will seem a little ridiculous when you get to the end of it.